I don't think perspectives on this launch can be boiled down to betrayal vs bravo. I think there are a variety of forces at play, and I prefer to do my best to try and understand the forces and context for what we have been presented with, and to appreciate the watch on its own merit and also, in historic context. Here goes:

The new RL PLM is a terrific watch. It is defined by its very special movement and is encased in the very popular combination of white metal with a black dial. A lot to like. It is easy to defend the inclusion of a non-enamel dial into the RL PLM realm. On the one hand, there are a number of enamel dialed ALS pieces that are part of a line that began with silver dials. The anniversary langematik and Lange 1 tourbillon come to mind. On the other hand, I believe this is the first example of a specific watch (let alone an LE) that had an enamel dial as one of its defining components from the get go, now be offered with a silver dial. I can understand why someone at Richemont/ALS gave the go ahead to this piece. They are incentivized to build and sell watches, and this one is certainly likely to sell well and in timely fashion. And to your point, while there are some who might be put off by it vs the original RL PLMs, I'm sure there are many others who will welcome it with open arms.

In my mind, there is a curious issue with the timing of this release however. This past January, ALS released the RL Jumping Seconds. A three-handed watch in white metal, made in a LE of 100 pieces. It uses a remontoir to help solve the riddle of chronometric accuracy. And it has/will have a similar price point to the new RL PLM, which is also a three-hander. That has a different, but nonetheless very special and historic solution to the challenge of chronometric accuracy with a fusee and chain. In white metal. In total, Lange is poised to produce 318 examples of these models collectively. I'm wondering if the market exists for all of them. I'm certainly a fan of chronometry for chronometry sakes alone. But I wonder if Lange might have been better off producing a special version of a chronograph or perpetual or Zeitwerk for the 218 points of sale this close to the release of the RL Jumping Seconds.

In any event, I hope this release is successful for ALS. I think we all would like them to manage the rough waters of the current marketplace effectively, and thrive for years to come.